At the developer's request, Herons Forever met with him last week to discuss possible settlement terms that would establish conditions over and above those approved by the City Council earlier this year. We are willing to consider dropping our Superior Court appeal only if this development is conditioned adequately. Obviously there are no guarantees that the herons will continue to choose Black River to raise their young, however, we certainly hope that our efforts save this colony.


We had hoped for permanent protection through acquisition, which is the only way to ensure the colony's continued success. Unfortunately, unless a firm payment plan for $5 million - $6 million can be pulled together within the next couple of days, the hillside will be developed. If you can help with this, please contact me immediately in order to stop work scheduled for 8/1. A payment schedule over the course of approximately one year appears to be acceptable to the developer.



During our meeting, the developer informed us that the hillside will be cleared and graded starting August 1 (Monday). They are assuming some risk in starting work as a final agreement has not been established and the court case continues to remain active should negotiations break down. August 1 is the earliest date that clearing or grading can take place, based on conditions we argued for during the hearing and subsequent appeals, and ultimately approved by the City Council.



If you have not seen the hillside, you may want to visit it between now and Sunday. With its mature big leaf maples, alder, snowberry, and so much more, and natural canopies supporting a rich array of wildlife that includes red fox, great blue heron, common yellowthroat (which are not at all common), and Northern alligator lizards, it's simply exquisite. To get there, park at the end of Naches Avenue SW, walk around the barricade, and follow the trail north. The hillside is on the other side of the railroad tracks. It would be wise to go with at least one other person because of its isolation. The area proposed for development starts at the Douglas fir snag at its eastern boundary (slightly east of the opening in the cyclone fence) and extends west to just shy of the gravel quarry. --In other words, it extends approximately the entire length of the protected Black River sanctuary.



As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions by responding to this email. I will keep you informed as this process unfolds.



The herons thank you for your support,

Suzanne Krom, President

Herons Forever